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Understanding Mid-Back and Torso Pain
Mid-back pain can affect turning, reaching, lifting and everyday activities. The thoracic spine, the middle portion of your spine, connects with the ribs and helps support your upper body.
Discomfort may develop after unfamiliar activity, muscle strain or spending a long time in one position. Pain around the torso can also have causes outside the muscles and joints, so understanding your symptoms is an important first step.
What Can Cause Mid-Back and Torso Pain?
Muscle strain
Lifting, twisting or unfamiliar activity can strain muscles around the back and chest wall, including the intercostal muscles between the ribs.
Joint-related pain
Joints in the thoracic spine and where the ribs attach can contribute to local discomfort and stiffness.
Prolonged positions
Spending extended periods in one position may contribute to discomfort. Changing position and taking regular movement breaks can be helpful.
Nerve irritation
Irritation of a nerve may produce pain, tingling or altered sensation around the torso. These symptoms need assessment to help identify their cause.
Common Symptoms
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Aching or tightness between the shoulder blades.
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Stiffness when twisting, bending or reaching.
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Muscle tenderness or spasms around the mid-back.
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Discomfort extending around the ribs.
Pain around the chest, ribs or upper back can sometimes come from the heart, lungs or abdominal organs. Call 000 if you have chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw.
Understanding Spinal Curves
The spine naturally curves when viewed from the side. Differences in spinal shape do not always cause pain or require treatment. Some curves are flexible, while others involve structural changes in the vertebrae.
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Hyperlordosis: An increased inward curve, usually in the lower back. Its relevance depends on the individual’s symptoms and assessment findings.
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Hyperkyphosis: An increased outward curve of the upper back. This may be associated with posture or structural conditions such as Scheuermann’s kyphosis or vertebral fractures.
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Thoracic scoliosis: A sideways spinal curve involving the mid-back, usually accompanied by rotation of the vertebrae. This can make the shoulders or ribcage appear uneven.
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Double-curve scoliosis: Two sideways curves in different parts of the spine, often creating an S-shaped appearance.
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Thoracolumbar scoliosis: A sideways curve centred around the junction between the thoracic and lumbar spine, the transition from the mid-back to the lower back.
Scoliosis is not simply caused by slouching. Management depends on factors such as age, curve size, symptoms and whether the curve is progressing. Suspected or changing spinal curves should be assessed.
How We Can Help
At Hayek Chiropractic Care, an assessment considers your symptoms, medical history, movement and the activities that matter to you.
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Understand your symptoms
We listen to your concerns and assess whether your symptoms are appropriate for care at our clinic.
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Discuss appropriate options
We explain our findings and discuss suitable management options, including their potential benefits, risks and alternatives.
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Refer when needed
If your symptoms or spinal curvature require further investigation or specialist assessment, we can recommend an appropriate referral.